Youth/School

The daily life of a new high school freshman can be challenging. Balancing homework and extra-curricular activities on top of a personal and family life can be difficult for anyone. But for Carter Hinkle, a freshman at Francis Howell High School, there is all of that and a much bigger challenge - fighting a battle against cancer.

At the age of 14, Carter was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), a very aggressive form of cancer that attacks blood and bone marrow. Carter was also diagnosed with an FLT3 gene mutation. The mutation makes his leukemia harder to treat, and unfortunately, more likely to return.

“Carter had just been going to (football) practices when we found out he was sick,” said Brooke Miller, Carter’s mom. “The coaches and team have rallied around Carter so much! Even the other parents. We really appreciate all the love and support!”

Carter’s current school, FHHS, and his former middle school, FHMS, have both shown their support during his battle to beat cancer. FHMS has donated money from a Fun Run and a Hat Day to help manage his medical expenses.

The FHHS football program has sold orange awareness bracelets, #CourageousCarter t-shirts, and held Dash for Cash events during games. FHHS tennis sold shirts and donated money from a Hat Day. FHHS softball donated money from their annual “Purple Out” game. Carter has also received multiple donations on his GoFundMe page.

“It is great to see our programs, the Howell community, and even other area high schools get involved to support Carter,” said FHHS Activities Director Sean Erwin. “The culture of helping and supporting others at Howell is truly amazing and supports our motto of ‘R.I.S.E As One.’ Through the support and well wishes, I know the entire Howell family wishes Carter a quick recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on campus at Howell.”

Carter is currently finishing a round of chemotherapy and is scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy in the near future. If his leukemia is in remission, he will be able to receive a bone marrow transplant in early October. Fox 2 News visited FHHS in August and shared his story. Carter’s family has also set up a Facebook page, where students, staff, and the community can get updates on his journey.

The daily life of a new high school freshman can be challenging. Balancing homework and extra-curricular activities on top of a personal and family life can be difficult for anyone. But for Carter Hinkle, a freshman at Francis Howell High School, there is all of that and a much bigger challenge - fighting a battle against cancer.

At the age of 14, Carter was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), a very aggressive form of cancer that attacks blood and bone marrow. Carter was also diagnosed with an FLT3 gene mutation. The mutation makes his leukemia harder to treat, and unfortunately, more likely to return.

“Carter had just been going to (football) practices when we found out he was sick,” said Brooke Miller, Carter’s mom. “The coaches and team have rallied around Carter so much! Even the other parents. We really appreciate all the love and support!”

Carter’s current school, FHHS, and his former middle school, FHMS, have both shown their support during his battle to beat cancer. FHMS has donated money from a Fun Run and a Hat Day to help manage his medical expenses.

The FHHS football program has sold orange awareness bracelets, #CourageousCarter t-shirts, and held Dash for Cash events during games. FHHS tennis sold shirts and donated money from a Hat Day. FHHS softball donated money from their annual “Purple Out” game. Carter has also received multiple donations on his GoFundMe page.

“It is great to see our programs, the Howell community, and even other area high schools get involved to support Carter,” said FHHS Activities Director Sean Erwin. “The culture of helping and supporting others at Howell is truly amazing and supports our motto of ‘R.I.S.E As One.’ Through the support and well wishes, I know the entire Howell family wishes Carter a quick recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on campus at Howell.”

Carter is currently finishing a round of chemotherapy and is scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy in the near future. If his leukemia is in remission, he will be able to receive a bone marrow transplant in early October. Fox 2 News visited FHHS in August and shared his story. Carter’s family has also set up a Facebook page, where students, staff, and the community can get updates on his journey.